Took three tows from scootzilla yesterday and learned a valuable lessson. When cart launching I always talk it through in my head "....over and under... over the cart and under the base tube..... my bridle through the tow line.....". Well, albeit I still think I walked through the procedure (and technically did what I was telling myself) the cart launched with me anyway. The only thing I can think of is that the tow line went over the cart and under the base tube - but also under the rope on the cart. Lesson learned: Be more careful on hang checks and always make sure the tow line is not only over the cart but also the cart's rope. No one was injured - just the cart and seemingly with minimal damage, so all in all a good lesson learned with no one getting hurt.

Hmmm...
As a member of the "I've flown with a cart group" how did you get out of it unscathed?
(I was a tangled VG cord that luckily untangled itself before I landed)
There is something to be said for having a few extra eyes, free from the anxiety of launching, scanning your gear before lift off.
Even if it's a less experienced pilot.

I'm all for changing the ropes to the pieces of hoses. One less thing that can go wrong.
Glad you were able to land unscathed!

I already changed it from 1 piece of rope that goes acrosss to two individual rope loops at each end like it is on some other carts.

Still though, like Steve said, your VG line can get tangled up around the knot at the end of that loop, so a thorough hang-check is still the most important aspect of a safe launch.

Speaking of that ... I don't know about others, but I find it very disturbing when I'm getting ready to launch and there's a lot of people, but most of them are just chatting about whatever. Usually louder than the person doing the hang-check. When I'm doing a hang check I want to be able to concentrate and so should the person(s) doing the hang check with me. If you're standing in the launch area consider yourself part of the pre-launch procedure and take on the partial responsibility of make it a safe one, or step aside. I'm all for fun, but safety first.
/ done popping of some steam

Bob, that was a great recovery and great reaction you showed there. Quick release, feet out of the bag and a nice landing. It was kinda a good thing the cart just fell down and didn't keep rolling so you didn't land on top of it, that would have been nasty. Props to you!

The more people in the launch area, the more likely there will be distractions. There were a lot of things going on Saturday with lots of gliders and a tug in the air simultaneously. Everyone needs to keep their heads in the game and watch whats happening. It will only stay safe when everyone makes it a priority to keep it that way. There is no room for complacency.
The launch should generally be kept to two people, the pilot and the launch director. If others are needed, keep discussions to the task at hand and remove any distractions before launch. Bystanders should keep an eye on whats happening and comment if there is a problem.

.... The launch should generally be kept to two people, the pilot and the launch director. If others are needed, keep discussions to the task at hand and remove any distractions before launch. Bystanders should keep an eye on whats happening and comment if there is a problem.

That's exactly what i was trying to say. Thanks for translating for me

To answer Steve's question: I was able to just release the tow line and the cart dropped off. Luckily the cart rope was not otherwise tangled in the bridle or harness. I was also fortunate to have enough altitude to make a reasonable landing.

To answer SBX614 moving to loops basically removes a good portion of rope thus reducing the chance for a tangle or not catching the fact that the tow line has been mis directed. Somewhat easier to show that explain in writing. Just ask the next time you are at the filed and we can show you.

My release wraps around my little and third fingers. On one cart that only had hose ends I couldn't reach the hose with the right hand. I need the rope running from side to side, but then I don't scooter tow where the bridle must go under the base tube either.

My point is, you can't arbitrarily convert all carts without some considerations to the releases being used.